Blue Ridge Cancer Care offers advanced treatment technologies in a community-based setting, providing care to patients close to their homes and within their local communities.
We also play an active and leading role in cancer research by participating in many national clinical trials for the testing of new investigational drugs or various combinations of treatments. These studies help find better ways to treat cancer and blood disorders and give many patients, who are eligible to participate, access to new investigational therapies that are otherwise not yet generally available. Every cancer is different for each patient, and so is our approach to treatment. Our clinical team evaluates the latest advances and treatments to identify a treatment plan that meets your individual needs.
Clinical laboratory tests play a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of many diseases including Cancer. Laboratory tests are provided to patients in connection with their chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments.
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and technicians, also known as Medical Technologists and technicians, perform most of these tests. They examine and analyze blood and other body fluids utilizing State of the art equipment to provide a vast volume of information to enable your physicians to prescribe the appropriate treatments and/or preventive measures to ensure the best therapy for you.
Advances in Laboratory Testing are continually occurring to enhance the early detection of many types of cancer. Along with detecting cancer, these tests will monitor the response of the therapy given and determine effective treatment options for you.
Our laboratory is fully certified by the COLA (Commission on Laboratory Accreditation) and CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act).
Blue Ridge Cancer Care provides in-depth cancer risk assessment for individuals with a significant personal and/or family history of cancer. Although genetic testing cannot predict whether a patient will actually develop cancer, understanding the risk of developing the disease can be an important step in prevention.
Today, tests are available that can detect certain gene mutations. Genetic testing can determine if you have or do not have a hereditary predisposition that may put you at higher risk of developing cancer before any symptoms appear.
• Opportunity to reduce the risk of cancer and save lives.
• Early detection, which increases the chance of a successful outcome.
• Knowledge regarding ones cancer risk can help make medical and lifestyle choices.
• Information can be shared with family members, so they too can benefit and make choices about their health.
Although genetic testing cannot predict whether you will actually develop cancer, understanding your risk of developing the disease can be an important step in making medical and lifestyle decisions that can help prevent cancer or about getting regular screenings that can detect cancer early, when it is most treatable.
While the actual test involves a simple blood draw and lab analysis, the pre- and post-consultation with your healthcare team is a key component of your cancer risk assessment. These consultations will prepare you for the pre-test interview, which involves a comprehensive family cancer history, and the post-test results discussion regarding the cancer risk options you have.
After the test results return from the lab, we will review the results with you and address your cancer risk options, which may include closer medical observation, more frequent test and therapy prevention, among others. Furthermore, as your life/needs change over time, so should your plan and our dedicated team will be with you every step of the way.
HIPAA protects patient privacy and prohibits health insurance providers from discrimination based on genetic information. Most laboratories determine coverage prior to testing and because the pre- and post-consultation is with a physician, most patients do have coverage. Our Benefit Specialists can help with this process and answer any questions you might have regarding coverage.